1,035 women, children abused in five months, 250 raped: Mahila Parishad

A total of 1,035 women and girl children have been victims of abuse across the country in the first five months (January-May) of this year. Among them, 250 were raped, 65 were gang-raped, 18 were murdered after rape, and 53 faced attempted rape.

This data was presented at a citizen dialogue titled 'Stand Up Against Violence Against Women and Children' held at the Anwara Begum-Munira Khan Milonayatan in the capital's Segunbagicha on Saturday, June 13, organised by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) .

At the dialogue, former adviser Rasheda K Choudhury recommended involving and rewarding religious leaders at the local level to prevent violence.

Former justice Krishna Debnath said that beyond the incidents that go viral, justice must be ensured for all forms of violence against women and children, and a zero-tolerance policy from the government is necessary in this regard.

Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain said the country does not lack laws; the problem lies in the application of laws and social attitudes. He called upon the government, law enforcement agencies, and the public to work together to protect women's and children's rights.